The story of a 16 year old girl named Jada came out last week. Have you heard about it? Well, if not love, sit back and let me tell you how our society continues to have no sympathy for our young women and girls that are raped. It is an atrocity when we as a country have an attitude of not believing the victim of rape and supporting the rapist. Where does that happen? In America. The home of the free and the brave. But, is it brave to post and ruin a minor’s life by raping her and posting it on social media? Is it brave to make fun of a rape victim and strike a #jadapose on twit videos? How about saying that you only gave her Ciroc and you have bail money? Isn’t the legal drinking age in this country 21, not 16?
Are you disgusted yet? Mortified? Me too. Here’s what we know…Jada went to a house party with some friends from school a few weeks ago. Someone handed her a cup with something to drink and she didn’t remember anything that happened next. She fell unconscious, was stripped naked and allegedly raped. Then pictures of her naked, unconscious and laid out on the floor began to appear on social media. It of course went viral which is where the hashtag #jadapose came in and people began to mimic and mock her assault.
When is violence against children ever acceptable? So few women ever report their crimes. It is sickening to know that in this country alone, 60% of sexual assaults are unreported each year. Why do women not report their sexual assaults? Mainly because who would believe them. Fear? Fear of being assaulted and raped all over again. Fear of having to replay the nightmare that you’re trying desperately to wake up from. Fear of being called a “whore” or being told “she asked for it”. Our bodies are not our own in a country that allows women and girls to be victimized with no action that is taken. What’s worse is that in a day and age where we have social media, you’re being forced to relive your worst fears while people mock you in ignorance.
Jada is trying to reclaim her life after this horrific incident. She wants her rapist to be brought to justice and arrested. This video surfaced last week on World Star Hip Hop that showed one of the rapists admitting to taking the pictures of her naked, but he stated he didn’t “hit it”. Apparently, he had a threesome with two other girls who were 14 and 15 at the party. I pray that it is enough to get this foolish young man arrested and into some counseling. It really is tragic.
I don’t ask for much out of this world. I guess decency is too much. Commentators have said that she was doing something she shouldn’t have been doing and it’s her fault. Wow, really? I am heartbroken to know that Jada has to endure this kind of pain over and over again in the media for the rest of her life. But, I am prayerful that she knows that she can now turn this situation into a healing one for herself and many others. She was a victim, but her taking back her life shows that she is a survivor. I am a mother and I feel for Jada and her family, but I vow to stand with her and let the world know too, that #IAMJADA
